She fought against him, but he held her tight, keeping her from continuing her assault.
“Lex,” he whispered, “it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay,” she said through tears that she hadn’t even known were spilling down her cheeks.
“It’ll be okay,” he said, pulling her in close to him.
She resisted him. “Stop. I’m disgusting.”
“I don’t care.”
“I’m covered in sand and sweat.”
“You’re still beautiful, and you still need me. So, I’m not going to stop,” he said, drawing her into him and cradling her against his chest.
“You’re not allowed to think I’m beautiful,” she said through her tears.
“Shh…” He stroked her back softly. “I’ll never stop thinking that.”
“Don’t be nice to me. I want to be angry.” Tears were falling so hard now that she could only speak through the hiccups.
“Then, be angry. I’
